'Barbershop' director hoping to film movie in Chicago next year

Director George Tillman, Jr. attends "The Inevitable Defeat Of Mister And Pete" premiere at the Black Perspectives presentation during the 2013 Chicago International Film Festival at AMC River East Theater Oct. 11, 2013.

Director George Tillman, Jr. attends "The Inevitable Defeat Of Mister And Pete" premiere at the Black Perspectives presentation during the 2013 Chicago International Film Festival at AMC River East Theater Oct. 11, 2013. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images)

George Tillman Jr. originally wanted to film “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete” in Chicago, but he said he and his long-time producing partner Robert Teitel opted for Brooklyn instead because of the lack of housing projects still standing in Chicago. Now the Columbia College alums have their sights set on filming a different movie in Chicago — where they also shot “Soul Food” and “Barbershop,” among other movies — and production could begin as early as next year.

The untitled movie centers on a struggling songwriter who returns home and assists a group of at-risk youth with their annual talent show.

“I was working on the script 20 minutes ago,” Tillman Jr. said Friday on the Chicago International Film Festival red carpet at the AMC River East 21 movie theater (where he was presented with the Black Perspectives award). “Let’s just say we’ll be dealing with school closings and public school issues. I’m excited about it.

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